Ankara: Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, has announced that Ukraine and the United States share a 'completely coinciding' vision for achieving a ceasefire along the current line of contact. This development follows a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in Washington.
According to Anadolu Agency, Yermak refuted reports of a poorly conducted meeting, emphasizing that it laid a 'foundation for further work.' Although the meeting did not result in an immediate decision on the supply of American Tomahawk missiles, Yermak highlighted the importance of the shared strategic position, which insists that any negotiations and subsequent ceasefire must refer to the current line of contact.
Yermak stressed that both leaders are in agreement that the war should not persist 'under the cover of negotiations.' He underlined the necessity of preventing Russia from using talks as a means to delay the implementation of new sanctions or hindering aid to Ukraine. The US has reiterated its commitment to providing air defense support, specifically with Patriot systems, which Yermak described as a 'constructive and open' approach from Trump.
Yermak further mentioned that while there were differences in opinion, they were not significant enough to warrant concern. He pointed out that Trump's recent cancellation of a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest signals the US president's intent to engage only in discussions that promise tangible outcomes.
Kyiv anticipates further high-level visits from US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have been invited to visit Ukraine. Addressing the looming winter challenges, Yermak assured that Ukraine has secured commitments from the US and European allies to bolster its energy sector against renewed Russian assaults.
Highlighting Ukraine's resilience, Yermak remarked, 'Russia has been trying to freeze us for four years, but we are stronger and better prepared this time.' He also confirmed plans to escalate retaliatory strikes, though he refrained from providing specific operational details, reiterating that 'time is working against Russia.'